If any of you have the Sept. 2000 issue(I think thats it,I will check and post again)of Four Wheeler Magazine, the red Ford on the cover was a 1-ton longbed. Now it is a shortbed flareside. I haven't had a chance to talk to him and how he did it, but I will soon. I plan on the same thing. The only problem that I know of is he used a half ton cab for some reason and the vin with it. So now it is only rated as a half ton and isn't street legal here in Missouri. It is too high. If he would have left the 1-ton cab on it, he would have been fine. It is GORGEOUS! I pass it ever day to school and almost wreck ever time. I wish he would store it. I would hate to see the weather get it.

Eight years later, it can still be found online... Yep, very nice work!!
Pics at the link:

I wanted to resurrect this thread to get some further inputs and ideas.

I in the process of buying an 86 F150 4x4 Extended cab, long bed.
I 'really' want this configuration in a short bed (but alas, it's been 'very, very, hard' to locate anyone selling a 'short bed' version with all the features I just mentioned.)

So, I have 2 choices

- 1) take the long bed OFF, cut the frame (to meet the short bed wheel base Specs), re-weld frame and find a short bed to to fit. Repaint, etc, etc.
(sounds easy, but I know it's a lot of work)

OR

-2) locate a short bed frame (from an extended cab model) and swap out parts.

Either solution is a long tedious process. But, if I'm going to perform a restore (with upgrades) maybe option 2 is a better way to go??

I dunno. If anyone has attempted this, all your expertise is most welcome.

They shortened a Chevy on Trucks! Here is a link where you can view that episode. PowerBlockTV - Video
They also cut down the bed, but if you can find a short bed you can skip that tedious step. Good luck with it.

Yes I agree, I've been searching (a lot) for an extended cab with Short bed
and I haven't located hide ner hare. I did see one (on craigslist) in Texas, but that's a long way to go for a frame (yikes).

I'll be checking with the local shops to see what they offer and quotes.
If too much, I'll try to handle this myself. I'm aware of geometries, mechanics and physics, but I've had little experience with welding and practical knowledge with such a task. I would be nice to find someone here in the Valley to offer some 'tutelage'.
It's not so much the cutting, that has me concerned, it's getting it back 'straight' and mechanically sound.

I'll check out that link Ron, could be just what I'm looking for!

I made the deal for the 86 F150 Long bed 4x4 tonight, so now I just have to go get it (in the snow) ha ha.

I obtained a copy of the 1986 F series Pickup brochure (FTD-8610 8/85) 25 pages.
Nice color photo's and all the specs and trim info you would want from the 86 model year. :-)

On page 19 there is a 4x4 payload table and exterior dimensions table.
Both of these show that a F150 Supercab (4x4) with a 6.5' bed DID NOT EXIST!
It was ONLY available on the 2WD models.
So, that explains WHY I have been unsuccessful at finding this model on my internet searches.

So, the choices are clear now.
A) Buy a 4x4 Supercab, long bed, shorten the frame, find a 6.5' bed and re-attach.
OR
B) Buy a 4x2 Supercab, short bed (hard to locate), 'ADD' the 4WD axle and transfer case.

Not sure which is the easier option. Both have a high degree of difficulty.

I'm leaning to Option A, keeping the original running gear intact
seems easier and less of a headache. I could be wrong, but this is the route I'm choosing.
Cheers

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